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Coca-cola presents $35,000 check to Oconee County park

Oconee County recently received a $35,000 grant from Coca-Cola’s Sprite Spark Parks Project that will pay for improvements to Herman C. Michael Park’s basketball courts.

Coca-Cola officials awarded the money last week after supporters voted online for the park — bringing in more votes than any other nominated park in Coca-Cola’s Southeast region.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for us to make some improvements to our outdoor basketball courts,” said Lisa Davol, deputy director of programs for the parks department.

The award doesn’t require any matching money and will pay for new basketball goals, court resurfacing, lights and benches.

“We actually have a good number of citizens who come out and use the outdoor courts,” Davol said. “I think it’ll definitely be an improvement in the park that people will want to enjoy.”

Park department employees and county leaders still are working out details about the court’s improvements, but hope to have the changes under way soon, she said. The courts likely will be finished by late spring.

Watkinsville resident Dan Matthews nominated the park for the Sprite Spark Parks grant earlier this year, and he, along with other Oconee County residents, voted online to secure the prize. The Sprite Spark Parks Project gave out seven $35,000 awards, as well as several smaller grants.

“We’re super-excited that we had so many citizens vote for Herman C. Michael Park,” Davol said.

Coca-Cola wants to support healthy lifestyles for adults and children and help improve places where people get together and exercise after school, said Sarah Cannon, who works for the company in public affairs and communications.